Walking Holidays in Scotland

With its dramatic landscapes of rolling hills and forests building into the great mountain ranges of the Highlands, criss-crossed by lochs and surrounded by thousands of miles of beautiful coastline and a myriad islands, Scotland is quite simply a paradise for walkers. Whatever pace you wish to take or ability level you have, there is definitely a path or route for you, undoubtedly offering wonderful views and the chance to experience nature right up close.

The Cairngorms are a lovely place to wander through varied scenery such as beautiful dense forests and rolling hills, while hiking in the Outer Hebrides takes to the core of Celtic traditions and the views of small Isles are the real highlights of coastal walking in the West Highlands. For those up for a challenge, trekking up Britain’s tallest peak, Ben Nevis is an exhilarating journey where you’ve the chance to be rewarded with spectacular views of Mull, Skye, Glencoe and the Cairngorms.

During snowy months, the high massif of the Cairngorms and the Knoydart Peninsula are both fantastic locations to try your hand at winter walking. Whatever your interests, Scotland offers walkers countless great trails and the opportunity for memorable walking holidays.

Whether you’re interested in being part of a walking tour or prefer more independence, there is a wide range of guided and self-guided holidays to choose from. Featured below are some of the best walking holidays on offer in Scotland, all of which are easily reachable by public transport.

Hiking in rugged mountains surrounded by wild sea, white beaches and green islands, this trip is for those with a taste for wilderness, good food and an appetite for Scotland's cultural delights. Spectacular walking at an intermediate level.

A guided walking holiday exploring the beautiful regions of Assynt and Coigach in the North West Highlands. Located just to the north of Ullapool, the hills and lochs create a landscape of outstanding natural beauty.

The West Highland Way is the classic long distance trek covering over 95 miles (150km). Enjoy a guided journey on the banks of Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor, over the high pass of the Devil's Staircase before finishing in Fort William.

Experience Scotland’s most iconic island through a series of phenomenal hikes along little known coastal, glen and forest trails. Learn of the myths and legends, passed down through generations, that make this place so magical and mysterious.

This winter walking skills break is perfectly suited to people with little or no previous experience of winter walking in Scotland. The high massif of the Cairngorms is the ideal venue for a winter trip, with a good snow record and high mountains.

Walking the archipelago of 70 small islands and skerries making up the Orkneys is the best way to discover them. Experience the long days and colourful night skies and witness a wealth of sea life and sea birds, remarkable flora and fauna.

Often described as the "last wilderness" in Scotland, the Knoydart peninsula has an island feel, isolated as it is from the rest of the Western Highlands by the ‘rough bounds’. A guided walk to the isles of Skye, Rum & Eigg, exploring the coasts.

Walk, eat, sleep - and discover some secrets to spice up the basic successful formula. Hike up to the Cairngorm Plateau and conquer some munros here in Britain's largest national park. Bonus factor: you'll be ascending Britain's 2nd highest peak.

Sample the scenery and the produce of Speyside on this hiking trip in the Highlands of Scotland. Stay with your hosts and guides at Fraoch Lodge for an authentic experience of Highland hospitality and freshly picked and prepared Scottish produce.

Often overlooked by those drawn to the larger islands of Lewis and Harris to the north, Uists, Barra & Mingulay will reward the curious traveller with uncrowded islands and the complex tapestry of local life, history and geology.